Assistant Head of Conferences and Events (Sales and Marketing)

University of Leeds; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits at a prestigious university for an Assistant Head of Conferences and Events. In this dynamic role, you will lead a talented sales team to promote the university's exceptional venues and services. With ambitious growth targets and a focus on building lasting customer relationships, your expertise in sales and marketing will be crucial. The university offers a vibrant work environment with opportunities for personal development and flexible working arrangements. Join a forward-thinking institution where your contributions can significantly impact the success of conferences and events, making it a fulfilling career choice.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Discounted gym membership

Access to courses for personal development

On-site childcare

Shopping discounts

Travel schemes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in sales/business development in the events industry.
• Strong track record of building significant event business sales.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct the Conference and Events sales team.
• Attract event bookers through proactive and reactive sales strategies.

Skills

Sales Strategies

Business Development

Marketing

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree in Business or Marketing

Job description

Assistant Head of Conferences and Events (Sales and Marketing)

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

The University of Leeds Conference & Events team sell, plan and deliver conference and event services, including venue hire, accommodation, catering, and conference management services.

The University operates a wide range of venues and facilities that attract events such as meetings, conferences (including residential), exhibitions, award ceremonies, receptions and dinners. Conference & Event sales are set to grow significantly from £2million to as much as £4million following investment in facilities both on and off campus, including a new city centre venue that launched in spring 2023.

As the Assistant Head of Conference and Events (Sales and Marketing), you will be responsible for managing and directing the work of the Conference and Events sales team to attract event bookers to use University venues, accommodation and other services via pro-active and reactive sales strategies and overseeing marketing activities. You will lead the team, ensuring they maintain a high standard with systems, processes, and service to manage customer relationships and attract new and repeat business.

You must demonstrate a track record of working in a sales/business development/marketing role within the meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition industry. Moreover, to succeed in this role, you will need to be target driven and a fast learner with a proven track record of building significant event business sales and experience working as part of a senior management team. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to work collaboratively with others and build effective working relationships (including the Universities Catering & Hospitality and Residential services).

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Karina Kendrick, Head of Conferences and Events